Relationship Secrets: What Are Some Alternative Types Of Relationships?

For those of you who believe that there is only one way to be in a relationship, think again. There are several different types of relationships that are available, but they require a bit of discussion with the partner to avoid arguments.

Monogamy – This is the basic relationship. This is generally defined by the exclusive relationship, that no one in the relationship sees anyone outside the relationship.

Swingers – This is described as a “non-monogamous sexual activity, treated like any other social activity, that can be experienced as a couple.” One of the dangers of this relationship is that the level of intimacy can decrease between the committed couple, and this does not help, when one of the people is more excited about the prospect of having sex with other people. Other dangers include pregnancy and getting STDs from other sexual partners.

Polyamory – This relationship is described as not consensual, ethical or responsible monogamy. This basically means that you can see other people, but everyone involved knows the other person. You may have experienced this type of relationship and not realized it. Take, for example, if you were dating someone but agreed to see other people. This is a form of polyamory.

Now, polyamory doesn’t mean you can have multiple girlfriends or multiple wives. I know what most of the guys are thinking. But it really is about having gender equality, freedom of choice for everyone involved, mutual trust and equal respect between partners.

For an interesting statistic, as of July 2009 there are an estimated 500,000 polyamorous relationships in the United States. You may not be alone, when you think of the girl next door. I would invite you to open the discussion and at least explore the possibility that your relationship is something more.

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